Atheists’ billboard mocks Rick Perry for saying prayer is a solution to school shootings

When it comes to the group American Atheists, Rick Perry doesn’t have a prayer.

The anti-deist organization this week unveiled a billboard attacking the Texas governor’s response to President Barack Obama’s call for new gun safety measures. The billboard contains a picture of Perry and declares: “His solution to school shootings? Prayer,” referencing remarks Perry made in January.

“There is evil prowling in the world – it shows up in our movies, video games and online fascinations, and finds its way into vulnerable hearts and minds,” Perry said in a statement following the president’s press conference. “As a free people, let us choose what kind of people we will be. Laws, the only redoubt of secularism, will not suffice. Let us all return to our places of worship and pray for help. Above all, let us pray for our children.”

American Atheists’ billboard (atheistbillboards.com)

Dave Silverman, president of the atheist organization, said Perry’s remarks on prayer is a passive way to address gun violence.

“Rick Perry’s statement is out of touch with reality,” said President Dave Silverman. “Prayer does not solve problems, rather it masks them. Asking Americans to pray to solve the violence problem is an admission of administrative impotence. Playing the God card is not a valid substitute for real action.”

Perry’s office did not return a request to comment on the billboard and the organization’s comments as of Wednesday morning.

A press release from American Atheists claims several Texas billboard companies refused to accept the Perry ad, which is a part of a “Go Godless Instead” campaign and also serves as an ad for the organization’s upcoming national convention in Austin this weekend.

The group’s campaign has spent $25,000 on seven billboard ads in Texas, most located in Austin and one in Dallas. Other ads feature other prominent Republicans including former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, former Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.